Resource-Oriented Music Therapy for Adults with Autoimmune Disease and Mood Disorders

Clinical Protocol

Autor/innen

  • Sylvia Grace Smith Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA
  • Melody Schwantes Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v26i2.4756

Schlagworte:

music therapy, autoimmune disease, resource-oriented approach, mood disorders

Abstract

Up to 50 million individuals in the United States are currently living with autoimmune diseases (AD). ADs can affect multiple systems in the body and impact the daily life and mental health of those living with ADs. While there are several pharmacological treatments that improve symptoms, many individuals, often women, remain underdiagnosed and have a high occurrence of mood disorders. Since music therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on individuals with mood disorders, it may be effective for adults with AD who have mood disorders, particularly when a resourceoriented approach is utilized. This study will outline the clinical treatment protocol used within the context of a feasibility study. This research will present the overall clinical approach and music therapy interventions. It is our hope that these descriptions and reports may be useful to other clinicians supporting adults with ADs. Limitations and suggestions for future research and clinical practice will also be discussed.

Autor/innen-Biografien

Sylvia Grace Smith, Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA

Sylvia Grace Smith, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist based in Roanoke, Virginia. She holds both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University, along with a certificate in expressive arts therapy. Grace’s clinical experience includes work with children, adolescents, and adults in acute mental health settings, adults living with autoimmune disease, and adults receiving general medical care. Her clinical approach is grounded in a resource-oriented framework, emphasizing strengths and collaboration. Grace is dedicated to advancing the field of music therapy through education, research, and clinical practice. Her research focuses on adults living with autoimmune disease and co-occurring depression and anxiety. She frequently presents at professional conferences on the applications of music therapy with individuals living with autoimmune disease. Her recent presentations include the World Art Therapy Festival in Prague, Czechia (September 2025) and the 11th Nordic Music Therapy Conference in Aalborg, Denmark (June 2024). Grace is also an advanced trainee in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music through the Appalachian GIM Institute.

Melody Schwantes, Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA

Melody Schwantes, PhD, MT-BC is the Graduate Program Director for Music Therapy in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. She has been a practicing music therapist since 2001 and received her PhD from Aalborg University. Her research has focused on rural health and health disparities utilizing critical perspectives.

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4756-Smith andSchwantes. Photos: Private (used with permission)/Appalachian State University)

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Veröffentlicht

2026-07-01

Zitationsvorschlag

Smith, S. G., & Schwantes, M. (2026). Resource-Oriented Music Therapy for Adults with Autoimmune Disease and Mood Disorders: Clinical Protocol . Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 26(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v26i2.4756

Ausgabe

Bd. 26 Nr. 2 (2026)

Rubrik

Research

Lizenz

Copyright (c) 2026 Sylvia Grace Smith, Melody Schwantes

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